Apple patent application hints at future health-related plans

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has published a new patent application from Apple focused on fitness.Dubbed "Wrist Pedometer Step Detection," the patent application describes "optimizations for detecting steps" for when a pedometer is worn on the wrist. AppleInsider earlier reported on the patent.Although pedometers are nothing new, Apple's method for detecting steps is actually somewhat sophisticated. The technology analyzes "peak-to-peak threshold" to determine when a person takes a step. Based on the time elapsed between those thresholds, it can infer when another step was taken, according to the patent application. The technology can also automatically determine whether the pedometer is being worn on the wrist.Rumors have been swirling, suggesting Apple is at work on health-related products and could be announcing new devices and software this year. As one might expect, given Apple's history, the company hasn't shared any plans on that. Still, this latest patent adds a bit more credence to those rumors and suggests Apple might soon jump into the health fray.If and when that happens, Apple will be met with serious competition. Several companies have already developed wrist-worn devices that can track your steps, including the Nike Fuelband, the Fitbit Force, and the upcoming Samsung Gear Fit.

Apple partner Foxconn invests $210M in new plant

Apple's primary manufacturing partner, Foxconn, will invest $210 million to build a new factory in October, according to China Daily. The facility will be in China's eastern Jiangsu province and specifically serve Apple, local authorities told the publication on Monday. Related storiesApple, Dell, HP looking into Foxconn factory suicidesBuzz Out Loud 1237: Facebook privacy hangover (podcast)Buzz Out Loud 1238: Smell the light? (podcast) The growing popularity of Apple's products have driven suppliers such as Foxconn to expand their facilities to meet demand. Foxconn and Apple have faced criticism for the treatment of factory workers and the condition of the facilities. Apple and Foxconn have both vowed to improve conditions at Foxconn's factories.The plant will cover an area of 40,000 square meters and employ 35,800 workers, China Daily reported. In addition, the annual output value of the plan will reach $949 million to $1.1 billion, while the import and export value will be $55.8 million. It's unclear which components or products the factory will make. CNET contacted Foxconn and Apple for comment. We'll update the story once they respond.